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| Friday, September 14, 2001 24:18 EST |
2000 Miami Fusion at a glance
[SportsTicker]
Division: Eastern
Stadium: Lockhart Stadium, Fort Lauderdale, Fla.
Soccer capacity: 20,450
Investor/Operator: Kenneth Horowitz, John Stoll
Head coach: Ivo Wortmann
1999 record and finish: 13-19 (42 points), fourth place in East
1999 offensive ranking: 8, (42 goals, 1.31 per game)
1999 defensive ranking: 11, (59 goals, 1.84 per game)
Top returning scorer: Henry Gutierrez (6 goals + 14 assists = 26 points)
Key returning players: Eric Wynalda, Henry Gutierrez, Welton, Diego Serna, Leo Cullen, Jeff Cassar, Jay Heaps
New players of note: Roy Lassiter, Andy Williams, Martin Machon, Francis Okaroh
Key departed players: Edwin Gorter, Arley Palacios
Outlook
Fusion head coach Ivo Wortmann could be referred to as
"The Mad Professor," given all the tinkering he did with his team's
roster in 1999. No fewer than eight players who began the season with
other teams ventured to South Florida to see significant time in the
Fusion lineup, with five of the players starting and one even serving as
the team's captain during its battle for the final playoff spot in the
Eastern Conference.
After last season's changes, Miami made just three changes during the
offseason. Midfielder Edwin Gorter retired and central defender Arley
Palacios was released, but the Fusion was able to acquire Major League
Soccer's all-time leading scorer, Roy Lassiter, from D.C. United
(although Lassiter was a holdout at press time). Now, a team that
once lacked firepower has Lassiter and Diego Serna up top, with U.S.
National Team all-time leading scorer Eric Wynalda and speedy Brazilian
Welton probably playing out wide.
Miami's midfield is steady with Henry Gutierrez, Tyrone Marshall and
offseason acquisition Andy Williams from Columbus. Jay Heaps, the
1999 MLS Rookie of the Year, has shown flashes of brilliance and provides
Wortmann with versatility and depth. Also, Guatemalan National Team
midfielder Martin Machon should step into a starting role immediately.
Goalkeeper Jeff Cassar appears to be healthy after a knee injury limited
him to just 15 games last year, and the recent acquisition of central
defender Francis Okaroh from Chicago gives the Fusion a solid veteran
in the back. Former D.C. United midfielder turned Miami defender Brian
Kamler and third-year Fusion star Leo Cullen will be counted upon.
Players to watch
Henry Gutierrez stepped out of Carlos Valderrama's
shadow after "El Pibe" went to Tampa Bay and led the club in points in
1999. Diego Serna led the Fusion with 10 goals, despite playing in just
21 games. Newcomer Roy Lassiter is a proven scorer, but will need solid
service from the Fusion midfield. Eric Wynalda played just six games
after returning from a knee injury (and being traded from San Jose),
but is part of the United States' Gold Cup roster. Guatemalan Martin
Machon brings a calming presence to the midfield, while Jamaican Andy
Williams will help the attack with his playmaking ability. Leo Cullen
and Francis Okaroh lead the defense in front of goalkeeper Jeff Cassar.
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